23-40 lbs
19-22"
United States
The Border Springer is a mix between the Border Collie and the English Springer Spaniel. This is a newer hybrid breed with a rather unknown origin story. It can be difficult to determine the exact appearance and personality of the Border Springer, even within the same litter, as the outcomes can vary quite a lot depending on which parent breed’s genes are stronger. For the most part, the Border Springer, also known as the Sprollie, is a medium to large sized dog that has the body of the English Springer Spaniel with the coloring, markings, and personality traits of the two breeds combined. This breed likes nothing more than to be working alongside their owners, whether that is hunting or training. They are full of energy and intelligence paired with beautiful looks. The Border Springer is a great family dog, yet he may not be the best choice for a beginner dog owner due to his training needs. He is used for hunting and as a companion dog.
Due to the Border Springer being a new hybrid breed, there isn’t a lot of information regarding its origin. The parent breeds involved in creating the Border Springer are the Border Collie and the English Springer Spaniel, both of which are high energy, athletic dogs that were bred specifically for a working purpose. The English Springer Spaniel was created to be a hunter, companion, show dog, and a participant in field trials. They first came to exist in Spain and were known for their ability to spring upon prey quickly and efficiently. The breed has been split into two types: the smaller version for hunting, and the larger more beautiful version for show. The Border Collie has been used for generations as a herding dog and is, without a doubt, one of the most intelligent breeds in existence. They were created between Scotland and England are extremely intelligent, loyal, and eager to please. This breed has an intense stare and is not for the faint of heart, considering his herding skills can get out of line if proper training does not take place. However, the Border Collie is much loved and great at both show and herding. When these two breeds are combined, the outcome is a dog that is lively, friendly, and very intelligent. While they may not be the best watch dogs due to their loving nature, the Border Springer is more than happy to let you know when someone is approaching with a few barks. They are a great family pet and a wonderful companion for those who enjoy lots of exercise and adventure.
The Border Springer will take on the appearance of both the Border Collie and the English Springer Spaniel. While appearance can vary even in the same litter, the typical Border Springer will have the body of a Springer and a combination of other traits from the Border Collie. This is a medium sized dog that can come in a variety of colors; the most common being black and white or liver and white. While the coat can be either long or short and smooth, it is always double coated with a dense upper coat and a soft undercoat. If the fur is longer, feathering will be present along the legs, stomach, and tail. The Border Springer has bright, oval shaped eyes that are full of life and intelligence, with the tendency to be a dark brown or black on occasion. The ears are medium sized and set widely apart on a broad, proud head. They are floppy, as neither parent breed tends to have erect ears.
The temperament of the Border Springer is going to be a combination of the Border Collie and the English Springer Spaniel. This means that while both breeds are very loving, loyal, and great with kids, they do have a high intelligence that can make them a handful at times. Due to the fact that the Spaniel is designed to chase prey and the Border Collie is meant to herd, if your Border Springer does not have proper training and socialization while young, he may end up chasing and herding young children or other animals. The Border Springer, while not overly loud, does have a tendency to bark at strangers or disturbances in order to alert their owners. While this is a good thing in some cases, it may get annoying to close neighbors. This, and the combined need for lots of room to exercise, makes the Border Springer a dog that needs a larger home with a yard and more of a suburban or country living space. There is no doubt that while this breed is beautiful and very intelligent, he is not a breed for those owners with no experience. Proper training and determination will be needed in order to ensure that your Border Springer does not herd inappropriately and his energy is used productively. Overall, this breed is a great companion, worker, and family dog that has a lot of energy and a lot of love.
Written by Darlene Stott
Published: 10/06/2017, edited: 02/24/2021
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